Release Date: 3/4/2008

The Film

For some reason, I have vivid memories from the craze that ensued during the early 90’s over 101 Dalmations. While the film originally debuted in 1961, it’s something to marvel at when the film still holds true to form decades later. I even remember that the news stations were running pieces on the flux of dalmation owners and how the breed was one that was better suited for the firehouses rather than the households. Now with the 2-Disc Platinum Edition available on DVD, the film gets another burst of life and a very well deserved upgrade in the visual and audio departments.

The film is a simple film about a couple of dalmations, Pongo and Perdita, who live with their “pets” or owners, depending on which side you’re on. Roger and Anita. They don’t have much, but what they lack in material things, they make up for in love. When the dog couple have a litter of 15 puppies, things take a turn for the worse as Anita’s college buddy, Cruella De Vil, comes into the picture, wanting to buy them for her sinister plan of turning the puppies’ fur into coats. After being refused, Cruella sends out her hoodlums to steal the litter to have them join 84 other puppies already stolen.

The real story here is the fact that the film has held up as well as it has over the years. The story is simple, however, it’s the charm of the characters and beautiful artwork that really keeps things chugging along. Young or old, this is a movie to cherish.

The DVD

The main menu comes with a nice little introduction and uses transitions very seamlessly and perfectly. Some light music from the film is played throughout and the entire experience is top notch.

The video is offered in 1.33:1 Fullscreen Format. For an animated film that debuted in 1961, this is as perfect as it’s going to get. The colors are bright, lines are defined and sharp, and well, the colors are bright. The picture has certainly been restored, and compared to past releases, this is the best one yet.

The audio is offered in English Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix 5.1, restored originally theatrical soundtrack, French Dolby Digital 2.0, and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0. Like the picture, the sound is great with plenty of everything you ever wanted from a sound track. Your speakers will get a workout while still keeping the tone of the film very comfy and warm. Subtitles are available in French and Spanish.

The Extras

The 2-disc sets comes in a standard amaray case with an extra flap housing the second disc. It’s also all encased in a very nice looking glossy cardboard case.

Disc 1 includes Games & Activities and Music & More. There are a couple of 101 Pop-Up Trivia Facts tracks that are optional, 1 for the family and the other for the fan. Also included is the “Cruella De Vil” Music Video by Selena Gomez.

Disc 2 is broken down into 3 categories: Backstage Disney, Games & Activities, and Music & More.

Backstage Disney includes 5 options: Redefining The Line: The Making of 101 Dalmations (33:52), Cruella De Vil: Drawn to be Bad (7:08), Sincerely Yours Walt Disney (12:33), Trailers Radio & TV Spots, and Art Galleries.

Music & More includes 6 options with a Play All option that includes various deleted song sequences, abandoned songs, alternate takes, demo records, and extended versions.

Games & Activities includes a handful of games with a DVD-ROM option as well.

Final Thoughts

101 Dalmations – 2-Disc Platinum Edition comes highly recommended as the upgrades to the previous releases of the film is quite remarkable. Aside from that, fans of Disney and animation in general should pick this one up as soon as possible.

- Morris Tang